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de Poitiers, Diane (1499–1566)
de Poitiers, Diane (1499–1566)A famous consort of the French king Henri II, Diane de Poitiers was born of aristocratic parents in the castle of Saint-Vallier, in the French Alps. She married Louis de Breze, a courtier and grandson of King Charles VII, at the age of fifteen. On the death of her husband in 1531, she arranged to have his titles of seneschal (king's representative) of Normandy pass into her own hands, instead of allowing that office to return to the king, which was the traditional practice. After Francis I took the throne, Diane became a companion to his sons. When Francis was captured at the Battle of Pavia in 1525, he offered his sons Francois and Henri as hostages in exchange for his freedom. When Henri returned to France, at the age of twelve, Diane became his tutor and guide. The two grew close and as he matured Henri fell in love with his mentor. Well before Henri became king of France in 1547, Diane became his favorite mistress, adviser, and companion. As king, Henri entrusted important correspondence and documents to her, and relied on her advice in important matters of state. Diane came to wield more authority in the French court than Henri's queen, Catherine de Médicis, and despite the fact that Catherine was a distant cousin of Diane, their rivalry for Henri's affections made them bitter enemies. Henri favored Diane by ordering the castle of Anet built for her, bestowing on her the title of Duchess of Etampes, and allowing her the custody of the crown jewels and the castle of Chenonceau, one of the most magnificent royal residences in Europe. In 1559, however, Henri died of injuries suffered in a duel, and soon afterward his jealous queen, Catherine, took possession of the crown jewels and permanently banished Diane from Chenonceau. |
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"de Poitiers, Diane (1499–1566)." The Renaissance. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "de Poitiers, Diane (1499–1566)." The Renaissance. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3205500095.html "de Poitiers, Diane (1499–1566)." The Renaissance. 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3205500095.html |
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Diane de Poitiers
Diane de Poitiers , 1499–1566, duchess of Valentinois, mistress of King Henry II of France. Noted for her beauty, Diane, who was much older than Henry, retained her influence over him until his death (1559). She maintained friendly relations with the queen, Catherine de' Medici, while completely eclipsing her. In the rivalry for Henry's favor between Anne, duc de Montmorency , and the Guise family, she took sides against whichever party was more powerful at the moment. She supported the king's anti-Protestant policy. After Henry's death, she was forced to retire from the court.
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"Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-DianedeP.html "Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-DianedeP.html |
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Diane de Poitiers, duchesse de Valentinois
Diane de Poitiers, duchesse de Valentinois (1499–1566) Mistress of HENRY II of France. She came to court during the reign of Francis I (1515–47) and Prince Henry, 20 years her junior, fell passionately in love with her. On his accession she became queen in all but name displacing Henry's wife, Catherine de Medici. A beautiful and cultured woman, she was friend and patron of poets and artists. She played little part in politics, contenting herself with augmenting her income and providing for her family. On Henry's death (1559) Catherine forced her to surrender the crown jewels and banished her to Chaumont.
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"Diane de Poitiers, duchesse de Valentinois." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Diane de Poitiers, duchesse de Valentinois." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-DianedePoitrsdchssdVlntns.html "Diane de Poitiers, duchesse de Valentinois." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-DianedePoitrsdchssdVlntns.html |
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Diane de Poitiers
Diane de Poitiers see Diane de Poitiers . |
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Cite this article
"Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-PoitiersD.html "Diane de Poitiers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-PoitiersD.html |
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